Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Simple Weeknight Meal

This easy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's quick, simple, and delicious, making it a family favorite. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords throughout the text naturally. It also includes helpful headings and formatting for readability.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
• 1 lb pasta: Any pasta shape works, but penne, rotini, or fettuccine are great choices.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• 1 onion: Diced for a savory base.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced for extra flavor.
• 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade sauce will work.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a creamy sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): For a richer, creamier sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Parmesan cheese: For serving (optional).
• Fresh herbs (optional): Basil, parsley, or oregano add a fresh element.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This easy-to-follow guide ensures a perfect dish every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the pasta sauce and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
2. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (if using).

Tips and Variations:

• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make it creamy: Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a different texture.
• Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with ground beef, Italian sausage, or shrimp.
• Meal prep friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Simply cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then add the pasta when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can I use different pasta? Yes! Any pasta shape will work.
• How can I make it healthier? Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of heavy cream or omit it altogether.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the pasta just before serving.

This easy chicken pasta recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!